Introduction to the field of athletic training with emphasis on the history of the National Athletic Training Association, certification guidelines, policies and procedures, risk management, roles and responsibilities of athletic trainers. Common sports-related injuries and illnesses will be discussed with an emphasis on the proper methods for prevention, recognition, and immediate care.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

This course is designed to provide students the knowledge in the prevention, care and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Topics covered include a history of the National Athletic Trainer's Association, the duties of the coach and the trainer, strength and flexibility exercises to prevent and rehabilitate injuries, muscular and bony anatomy pertinent to common injuries, causal factors and preventative tips related to injuries, signs and symptoms of common injuries taping/wrapping procedures for major joints, and treatment modalities used in injury care.

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Various instructional methodologies will be used for this course. Instructional emphasis is on common situations encountered by athletic trainers and other professionals providing professional services to athletic populations. Lecture will be accompanied by demonstration when appropriate and extensive use of examples. Individual and group assignments will be employed to allow students to apply knowledge presented in the class.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

1. Explain the role and function of athletic trainers and coaches as part of the sports medicine team.
2. Identify the general and specific injuries that occur in various sports.
3. List and explain the various training and conditioning techniques used in athletic conditioning programs and how they relate to injury prevention.
4. Identify the causes, signs, symptoms and treatments for environmentally related illness (i.e., heat exhaustion, hypothermia).
5. List and explain the causes, signs, symptoms and basic treatment of common injuries occurring in athletic populations.
6. Recognize the various special tests used to confirm or rule out athletic injuries.
7. Find and read articles from scholarly journals relating to athletic injury, treatment or rehabilitation and write a short summary of the article and its findings.